1
as in feel
a feeling that something bad will happen
I had a nagging presage that the results of my medical tests would not be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in forerunner
something believed to be a sign or warning of a future event
the sight of the first robin is always a welcome presage of spring
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to predict
to tell of or describe beforehand
people used to believe that a comet presaged a major event, such as the death of a king
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of presage
Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026
For Swain, the rise of directs presages nothing less than a revolution in the world’s financial markets.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Experts are already warning that there may not be enough fertilizer for the next harvest season, presaging lower yields and higher prices.
—Judd Devermont, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presage
Noun
The company is facing similar litigation in Nevada — and while the injunction is only temporary, and focuses on sports betting, the legal action presages the broader efforts by states to protect the lucrative revenue gambling brings in.
—Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 22 Jan. 2026
For Swain, the rise of directs presages nothing less than a revolution in the world’s financial markets.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2025
Verb
Since 2022, Russia has dropped thousands of mines across the Black Sea, presaging Iran's Hormuz blockade by using underwater explosives to deter vessels from docking in Ukraine's Black Sea ports.
—Aidan Stretch, CBS News, 29 Apr. 2026
Experts are already warning that there may not be enough fertilizer for the next harvest season, presaging lower yields and higher prices.
—Judd Devermont, semafor.com, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for presage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for presage
Noun
-
Of the big three, Modern is the only to have refused corporate buyouts and franchise expansions, preserving a classic mom-and-pop feel.—
Arati Menon,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 June 2026
-
Pale Blue-Gray Island With White Walls Mix a bluish-gray island with brass and cane accents for a coastal feel.—
Lauren Jones,
The Spruce,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
In 2007, the Oatley family opened Qualia, their 30-acre flagship property and the forerunner of Australia’s luxury lodges.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
While Bass remains widely viewed as the forerunner, recent polling suggests the race might be tightening heading into the final days before the June 2 primary.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Verb
-
But if the ongoing investigation shows that there were more – 100 or even 200 deaths by late May – the modeling predicts a much higher likelihood of this growing into a massive outbreak.—
Dr. Sanjay Gupta,
CNN Money,
6 June 2026
-
Highly capable professionals often spend enormous amounts of energy replaying conversations, second-guessing decisions, and trying to predict how others interpreted their behavior.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Retroactively, they were interpreted as premonitions of the 1994 violence that saw many thousands of locals, primarily Tutsis, massacred at the hands of Hutu Génocidaires.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
26 May 2026
-
The actress previously recalled having a bizarre premonition before director Sam Pinkleton even called her about the role.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
In the shadows of the long-hut, the elders muttered among themselves—of portents and crops and weather and the storage of grain.—
Maggie O’Farrell,
Literary Hub,
2 June 2026
-
That Mann and his daughter, at a posh Frankfurt hotel party, glimpse so many remnants of the Nazi era — including Erika’s ex-husband, who collaborated with the regime — is another portent of darkness.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
All of my rage and fear and wonder.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
1 June 2026
-
The computing power needs, the competition from Anthropic, the potential for a more business-to-business stream of revenue, the fear that all of the big institutions that own it will want to cash out, makes this one plain fraught.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
Tort claims are typically filed as a precursor to a lawsuit.—
Rose Evans
Updated May 29,
Idaho Statesman,
29 May 2026
-
But the true precursor to the UFC Octagon might be the wrestling cage.—
Harmeet Kaur,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Wembanyama finished with 26 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks in the loss but downplayed any worries about the team’s struggles after the game.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
-
Stocks also came under pressure on Middle East worries.—
Lee Ying Shan,Justina Lee,
CNBC,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Presage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/presage. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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